Vivian lake Fishing near Mammoth Lakes, California

• Overview

  In California, Vivian lake falls inside Mono County. It sits in lake country bush country. Surface area runs to about 4 acres — small enough to read in one session. Most waters listed here for Mono County are larger. For supplies, Mammoth Lakes is 7.9 miles out. The nearest city of size is Clovis, 67 miles away. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Vivian lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Records held for Mono County cover brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, owens sucker and california golden trout. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Treat Vivian lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical August readings run about 54°F; by February the average is down near 23°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about late May. Ice usually gives way near late May, and forms again about late November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Vivian lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Emily Lake, 0.6 miles out. Nothing here settles the position at Vivian lake for certain.